Basilicata Coast to Coast
A walking tour across the Basilicata in search of some of the most enchanting places of this fantastic region. 8 days and 7 nights.
More info

BASILICATA

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

AVERAGE LEVEL

95 KM

MAX 16 PAX

The trip will start with a tour of Matera and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, renowned for their cultural and historical significance, rich in caves and ravines marked by the typically Mediterranean history and nature: you will find prehistoric caves, neolithic villages, frescoed churches, and houses dug into the rock.

It goes on with the Lucan Dolomites, in the centre of the region, with its gems: Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano. Once you have crossed the Calanchi between Craco Vecchia and Montalbano Jonico, the next stage will be the Pollino National Park, a stunning massif surrounded by colourful valleys, streams flowing down, and rocky mountains that jealously preserve the best examples of the rare Loricato pine, inspiring wonder and curiosity.

The final stop is the Tyrrhenian coast in Maratea, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views. The pristine nature, intense sunlight, and panoramic vistas will create lasting memories of this scenic journey through Basilicata’s landscapes.

Discover the full itinerary

fill out the form and book this experience!

Day 1

The Sassi of Matera

Independent arrival in Matera. Accommodation in a hotel or B&B. At 4 pm, enjoy an urban trekking in the Sassi districts* (UNESCO heritage site) and the old town: the baroque city, the Romanesque churches, and the rupestrian civilization (duration: 3 hours). Dinner in a local restaurant in the Sassi. Overnight in Matera.

*If, for personal circumstances, it is not possible to arrive in Matera in time for the tour, on request, this can be postponed to the next day and done together with the hike in the cave churches park

Gradient: 200m

Duration: 3 hours

Length: 4km

Day 2

The Murgia and the Rock Churches

A walk on the Murgia, in search of the archaeological and naturalistic treasures of the Park of the Rupestrian Churches. You will cross the Gravina of Matera with its beautiful views and unique paths. Packed lunch in the caves. Free afternoon in town.

Gradient: 200m

Duration: 5-6 hours

Length: 9km

Day 3

Un breve stop durante trekking sulle Dolomiti Lucane

Lucan Dolomites: From Pietrapertosa to Castelmezzano

Transfer to Pietrapertosa (90 minutes), in the Gallipoli Cognato and Lucan Dolomites Park. From the Saracen fortress of Pietrapertosa, almost completely dug into the rock, which offers a super panoramic view of the Basento valley, you will visit the old town with its many steps and the valuable Mother Church. In Pietrapertosa, we’ll buy our lunch for the picnic along our path. At the foot of the castle, there is a path that goes down to the Caperrino stream. You will then cross an old bridge, dominated by the steep Dolomites of Pietrapertosa, and, finally, you will climb to Castelmezzano. Tour of the old town and a picnic at the castle. Dinner and overnight in the Lucan Dolomites.

Gradient: 900 m

Duration: 7 hours

Length: 15km

Day 4

The Calanchi: The Lucan Badlands

Transfer to Montalbano (90 minutes). A long excursion that crosses the captivating landscape of gullies in the Ionian area of Basilicata. From Aliano or Montalbano Jonico, you will reach through glorious gullies the rocky spur of Timpa Petrolla. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to do a tour of Craco, the “ghost” town. After a short transfer to the seaside, you can enjoy a well-deserved swim in the Ionian Sea and a dinner to close the day.

Gradient: 300m

Duration: 4 hours

Length: 12 km

Day 5

Serra delle Ciavole and Serra di Crispo

It’s certainly the most beautiful excursion for the view extension and the uniqueness of the landscapes. On top of the Sierras (a mountain with a long ridge), there are many specimens of Loricato pine, even millenary ones, and, in particular, several dead ones that keep on standing without bark or leaves for decades, creating a charming and magical atmosphere that earned the title of “the Garden of the Gods”. Make yourself comfortable in Rotonda, where you’ll stay 2 nights.

Gradient: 700m

Duration: 6-7 hours

Length: 15-18 km

Day 6

The Ancient Beechwood of Cozzo Ferriero

Besides the Loricato pine, the Pollino National Park has the merit of preserving a strip of an ancient beechwood, untouched by logging for ages. It’s a stark, wild forest, not very touristy, despite the millennial presence of humans, who have a deep cultural connection with it.

The old-growth beech forest of Cozzo Ferriero, in Rotonda (PZ), in the heart of the Pollino National Park, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its ecological importance and the need for conservation efforts.
It covers about 70 hectares and is spread across a sub-flat area at 1700-1750 metres above sea level, near the watershed that marks the border between Basilicata and Calabria, inviting travelers to appreciate its vastness and unique setting.

The stand consists of 496 trees, 284 of which have a diameter of 17.5 cm or more. The average plant measures 43.8 cm in diameter and 22.5 m in height, with a dominant height of 26.5 m.

Return to Rotonda, dinner and overnight stay.

Gradient: 569m

Duration: 6 hours

Length: 9 km

Day 7

The Maratea Coast

Transfer from Rotonda to Trecchina, where today’s hike starts, to end in Maratea with a view of the Gulf of Policastro. Wonderful karstic shapes, caves and spring flowerings make this landscape unique. From Mount San Biagio, with the Christ the Redeemer statue, you will reach the old town of Maratea along a paved road. Tour the town and enjoy swimming in the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Accommodation in a hotel, dinner, and overnight stay in Maratea.

Gradient: 550m

Duration: 5 hours

Length: 11 km

Day 8

Breakfast and end of services

This tour ends today after you have breakfast.

We can arrange a transfer to your airport, train station, or next destination-just click the WhatsApp button for a quote.

If you’re looking forward to discovering more towns, beaches, or natural parks, ask us to extend your stay with PRE and POST tours in the same area, or by adding walking or cycling tours on different itineraries offered by WalkBasilicata and BikeBasilicata.

book this experience now!

Fill out the form on the right to request more information: we will reply as soon as possible.